Portland

A 2024 residency in Portland, NSW, Australia culminated in several new works and a full embracing of a bold colour palette and abstract approach. Julie attended National Art School short courses with renowned teacher Fran O’Neill for eighteen months prior to this residency to support her move into a more abstract way of working. The post-industrial landscape of Portland’s former cement works combined with its burgeoning art scene was the perfect environment for Julie to continue her exploration of place, connection and historical influences. The local pool became a focus of this work, as did the now disused silos and other relics of the cement production industry. Julie’s work continues to become ever more process-oriented and this body of work marks a distinct turn away from a focus on the outcome and into the territory of pure exploration. The use of acrylics supported a dynamic fluidity and spontaneity with which Julie challenged her own limits. Time out from the day-to-day supported this move into a more expressive painting style, centring her own experience rather than the viewer’s.